Greek Prisons Research Articles

Exploring motivational drivers for English language learning in Greek prisons

In adult education, understanding the dynamics of motivation among incarcerated individuals to attend English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes is crucial for effective educational programming, successful rehabilitation, and recidivism reduction efforts. The present study, focusing on Greek prisons, investigates two key aspects: a) the influence of sociodemographic factors (marital status, age, gender, and occupation previous to sentence) on inmates’ motivation to attend EFL classes and b) the relative prevalence of intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors driving inmates to attend EFL classes. Grounded in theories of foreign language learning motivation, the study employed quantitative methods with a large sample of 400 adult inmates enrolled in English classes at Second Chance Schools across all Greek prisons. The findings reveal that marital status, age, gender, and previous occupation are factors that significantly impact inmates’ motivation to attend EFL classes, with female inmates demonstrating higher motivation than their male counterparts. Notably, the study highlights the predominance of extrinsic motivation among inmates, with the desire to make their families proud being the most highly rated motivational driver.

Tattoos and Other Body Modification Practices among Child Sex Offenders in Greece

Body modification encompasses procedures to achieve permanent or temporary alterations of the human body. Tattooing and body piercing have become the most prevalent forms of body modification. It is reported that getting tattoos while in detention is reported to be a common practice. Only a few studies have examined the prevalence of body modification practices in prisoners. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of body modifications (tattoos and body piercing) and self-injuries among child sex offenders in a Greek prison, as well as to identify factors associated with having a tattoo or acquiring one while in prison. One secondary aim was to examine this population's main motives for body modifications and shed new light on their functions. The authors present the results of their original quantitative study (with a sample of 181 imprisoned child sex offenders) and discuss them in comparison to those of other studies.

Praćenje nasilja u zatvoru

Prison violence is a serious issue affecting inmates and staff worldwide. This study analyzes data from Greek prisons to identify factors associated with prison violence. The data includes statistics on the prison population, number of violent incidents, overcrowding, spatial density, and inmate/staff ratios. The findings indicate that overcrowding alone does not directly cause more violence. Rather, factors like facility management, architecture, inmate population characteristics, and staff training seem to have a greater impact. Overall, the study highlights the need for a holistic approach to prison management and design that considers the environment, population, and staff to reduce violence. The complex interplay of these elements must be examined to understand and prevent prison violence.

Depression and anxiety levels in a population of Greek male prisoners with a history of dependence

ABSTRACT Background This prospective study aims to report on the prevalence of depression and anxiety levels, in a sample of Greek prisoners with a history of substance and alcohol use. Methods The study comprises 100 male prisoners with a history of substance and/or alcohol use, in the Grevena Correctional Facility, in Northern Greece. BDI AUDIT, DUDIT, CAGE, STAI Y-1 & Y-2 and SCL-90 R were used. Results Sixty-three percent of study participants stated they had mental health problems. Another 37% stated they were on antidepressants, 16% on anti-anxiety medication, and 7% on antipsychotic medication, while only 34% were not on medication. Linear regression was utilized to identify independent predictors for each of the questionnaires scores, adjusting for age. Conclusion The prevalence of depression among Greek prisoners with history of substance and alcohol use is much higher than in the general population in Greece and even between other inmate groups. Also anxiety levels of these prisoners were significantly elevated. This is the latest study in Greek prisons and the only one concerning inmates with history of dependence. Therefore, its conclusion of higher than before prevalence of depression and high anxiety level while incarcerated should be considered for diagnosis and therapy strategies in prison.

Learning in second-chance schools during COVID-19 Case study: Legal framework and distance learning platforms in Greek prisons

In this research paper we focus on the problems concerning inmates' access to education through Second Chance Schools operating within penitentiaries due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A specially encrypted platform has been created through open-source software that can provide distance learning and does not allow access to any part of the internet other than the learning process.

Learning in Second-Chance Schools during COVID-19 Case Study: Legal Framework and Distance Learning Platforms in Greek Prison

Learning in Second-Chance Schools during COVID-19 Case Study: Legal Framework and Distance Learning Platforms in Greek Prison

Psychopathology, psychosocial factors and sexuality of incarcerated sexual offenders in Greek prison

There are few studies in Greece on sexual offenders. The research aims to contribute knowledge and information related to psychopathology, psychosocial factors and the sexuality of this particular category of convicts for sexual offenses. The search took place in the Greek prison in Grevena, where the largest number of sexual offenders are being held. This is a quantitative study and descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used. The study involved 127 sexual detainees and used the STAI, BDI, EPQ, SCL-90 questionnaires and a special sexual behavior questionnaire. The reliability of the tools was high as the lowest price of Cronbach alpha was equal to 0.733 (STAI) and the highest was 0.975 (SCL-90). The Special Sexual Behavior Questionnaire was 0.877 reliable. ResultsThe results of the research confirmed the heterogeneity of the population of sexual perpetrators in many categories of data. The importance of some factors such as abuse in childhood, substance use, difficulty in having close relationships, and young delinquent behaviour in the subsequent delinquent evolution of the individual also emerged. Our study did not show particularly high levels of psychopathology except for some elements of anxiety and depression. The results also showed the existence of high transient anxiety, while in the subscales Paranoid Idea and Compulsiveness we had the highest average scores and lower in the subscales Phobic Stress, Aggression and Psychoticism. We had high scores on the scale Neuroticism-Stability and the lowest on the scale Psychoticism-Superego. There were no significant differences between adult and pediatric rapists in terms of differences in stress levels and depression. Sexual perpetrators against minors had higher scores than the dimensions Psychoticism-Superego and Neuroticism-Stability. Minor statistically significant differences in the dimensions Aggression, Anxiety, Paranoid Idea and Neuroticism-Stability were also found. The results show that juvenile delinquency is becoming more serious and violent. Substance users are less likely to sexually abuse a minor. As for the early onset of sexual activity, it appears to be associated with an increased risk of adult rape as well as the fact that the perpetrator's sexual abuse during childhood increases the likelihood that as an adult he or she will harm his or her relatives. In terms of sexual behaviour, incarceration in prison burdened almost all sexual problems of detainees with statistically significant differences in sexual desire and erection problems. There was a universal reduction in the sexual behavior of sexual offenders in prison and a universal reduction in all sexual practices used before imprisonment. Masturbation is the main sexual practice in prison. The main gender of sexual attraction is women despite its significant statistical decline. Statistically, attraction to underage girls has also declined, while homosexual and bisexual tendencies have increased, but there are no statistically significant differences. There was also a significant decrease in the use of pornographic material with adult women and minors, while the use of pornographic material with homosexual content increased. ConclusionsThe investigation of psychopathology, sexual behaviour and those psychosocial factors that characterize and determine the lives of sexual offenders, offers important data and knowledge on which we will rely for the development of therapeutic and preventive programs. Future research on sex offenders should focus on further research on psychopathology and how to think about it, as well as the possibility of using reliable relapse prevention tools to protect society as a whole.

Lexical Notes on Greek Prisons and Imprisonment

Le vocabulaire grec de la prison est particulièrement difficile à saisir, à cause surtout du caractère stylisé et idéaliste de la littérature grecque. Néanmoins, et grâce principalement aux lexicographes, nous connaissons une vingtaine de termes pour « prison » ou « cachot ». La première partie de cet article s’intéresse aux sources, à l’utilisation du langage figuré et de l’euphémisme, et à l’absence apparente de termes étrangers. La partie principale de l’article commente les termes ἀγκών, ἀναγκαῖον, ἀνάκαιον, ἀπάσιτον, βάλεκες, †βλεόρον, γοργύρη, δεσµωτήριον, δεχάς, Θήσειον, ἰψών, καλιός, καµάκασος, κάρκαρος, κέραµος, κυνάγχη, κῶς, οἴκηµα, ὁρκάνη, σιρός et ϕυλακή. Dans la partie finale, on discute dans quelle mesure ces termes contribuent à notre connaissance de l’emprisonnement dans l’Antiquité.

Health-related quality of life of prisoners with diabetes mellitus

The study explored health related quality of life of prisoners with diabetes mellitus (DM).48 male inmates incarcerated in a Greek prison, completed a demographic and clinical traits questionnaire. Prisoners with DM and those with additional health problems had worse physical, mental health and psychological well-being outcomes (p = 0.002, p < 0.001 and p = 0.014 respectively). People with DM in correctional facilities should receive specialized primary health care services either health services within the correctional institution or community liaison. The implementation of services targeting DM should be evaluated with the target of improving offenders’ physical and mental health.

Impact of exercise intervention on anxiety levels and mood profile of Greek prison inmates

Imprisonment is clearly associated with mental health problems among prisoners. Evidence across research literature shows that exercise in detention environments improves mental health. The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of an exercise program on mood profile and anxiety of inmates in Greek prisons. Sixty male inmates randomly assigned in two groups (control and experiment). Individuals of the exercise group received a 12 weeks training program at a frequency of three (3) training sessions each week of 60 minutes per session. Control group individuals did not participate in the exercise program. The Profile of Mood States (POMS) and The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were administered to both groups prior and after exercise intervention. The findings of this study support the beneficial effect of exercise on mood and anxiety of inmates in Greek prison settings.

Is Sexual Assault a Problem in Greek Prisons? Initial Evidence from a Greek Male Prison

This study aimed to explore the problem of inmate sexual victimization in a Greek male prison. A total of 400 individuals were approached in the largest Greek male prison and 50 individuals participated. The questionnaire examined sociodemographic, offence-related information, sexual victimization during incarceration, experiences of witnessing the sexual coercion of other inmates, and history of sexual victimization. Thirteen (26.0%) participants reported sexual victimization by an inmate, including either “only non-penetrative” or “only penetrative ones” or “both penetrative and non-penetrative” ones. The victimized participants also performed worse in child sexual victimization and self-esteem scores as compared with the non-victimized ones. Vulnerable groups identified in the current study could receive further attention in future studies and policy initiatives. Large-scale surveys could be designed to extend our knowledge on this neglected area of research.

Present and Future Benefits for Adult Inmate Trainees in Greek Prisons

Present and Future Benefits for Adult Inmate Trainees in Greek Prisons

A Foucauldian disciplinary theorisation of inmate education in the Second Chance Schools in Greek prisons: A case study

The objective of this paper, which makes use of the concepts of power and discipline from Michel Foucault’s theoretical framework, is the investigation of the impact that the manner of operation of a Second Chance School (SCS) has on the disciplinary work of a prison in Greece. The research was carried out using semi-structured interviews with the learners in the SCS and with those responsible for education in the particular prison. The main findings of the research revealed that the working of the SCS made a positive contribution to the disciplinary work of the prison, which was ensured through the application of a range of disciplinary techniques and mechanisms. In addition, the disciplinary mechanisms that were implemented were the hierarchical surveillance of the learners through the ‘gaze’ of the teachers, the maintenance of an attendance register, the existence of camera and a guard outside the space of the classrooms, as well as the disciplinary examination of the learners.

What does it take to motivate inmates to participate in prison education? An exploratory study in a Greek prison

Why do inmates participate in educational activities? Is it for the main reasons that individuals belonging to general population do, or do the reasons differ significantly? The present study sough...

The effect of exercise on improving quality of life and self-esteem of inmates in Greek prisons

The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of an exercise program on the quality of life and self-esteem of inmates in Greek prisons. Sixty male inmates randomly assigned in two groups (control and experiment). The duration of the training program for the exercise group was 12 weeks. Control group individuals did not participate in the exercise program. SF-12 quality of life questionnaire and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale were administered to both groups prior and after exercise intervention. The findings of this study support the beneficial effect of exercise on quality of life and self-esteem of inmates in Greek prison settings.

Association of Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality disorder with violent crimes and homicides in Greek prisons

BackgroundPersonality disorders (PDs) have been associated with both violent crimes and homicides in many studies. The proportion of PDs among prisoners reaches up to 80%. For male prisoners, the most common PD in the literature is antisocial PD. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between PDs and violent crimes/homicides of male prisoners in Greece.MethodsA sample of 308 subjects was randomly selected from a population of 1300 male prisoners incarcerated in two Greek prisons, one urban and one rural. The presence of PDs was assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4 (PDQ-4). Using logistic regression models PD types and PD “Clusters” (independent variables) were associated with “violent/non-violent crimes” and “homicides/non homicides” (dependent variables).Results“Cluster A” PDs (Paranoid, Schizoid, and Schizotypal) were diagnosed in 16.2%, “Cluster B” (Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, Narcissistic) in 66.9% and “Cluster C” (Obsessive–Compulsive, Dependent, Avoidant) in 2.9% of the studied population. Violent crimes and homicides were found significantly associated with “Cluster A” PDs (p = 0.022, p = 0.020). The odds ratio of committing violent crimes was 2.86 times higher for patients with “Cluster A” PDs than the ones without PDs. In addition, the odds ratio of committing homicides was 4.25 times higher for patients with “Cluster A” PDs. In separate analyses, the commitment of violent crimes as well as homicides, was significantly associated with Schizoid (p = 0.043, p = 0.020) and Schizotypal PD (p = 0.017, p = 0.030).ConclusionsThe majority of prisoners was found to suffer from a PD, mainly the Antisocial “Cluster B”, but the commitment of violent crimes and homicides was significantly associated only with “Cluster A” PDs and specifically with Schizoid and Schizotypal PD.

Prisoners in Greek prisons: Correlation of demographic and psychosocial data with committed crimes

Previous literature shows an association between several psychosocial factors or life events in general and delinquency. Factors such as gender, cannabis and drugs use are firmly connected to delinquency. Similarly, interpersonal violent behavior appears to be more frequent in people with lower socioeconomic status and people with lower education. The association of these factors with the violent or non-violent crimes, especially in Greek research literature, is very limited. The present study is an attempt to examine in a Greek prison population the correlation of demographic and psychosocial factors with violent and non-violent crime. The prison population sample comprised of 308 males from a total of 1300 prisoners, aged between 18 and 77 years old. The survey was conducted from January 2012 until August 2013 in Korydallos and Domokos prisons. In our prison population sample most of the crimes were non-violent. The prisoners were urban dwellers, of young age, were not married and were in short-term relationships on average. They had completed their military obligations, were not live alone, and have been working in the last six months before being imprisoned, in manual labor. They had low-grade education and poor school achievements, had been brawling with classmates and had history of antisocial behavior (liked to "put fire" and abuse animals). They report good relationships with their parents; however, they had experienced violence in parental relationships and some kind of violence, mainly by the father and secondarily by the mother. They have not been involved in gangs necessarily and have a history from a young age, of alcohol, cannabis and drugs use. Cannabis use history was reported by 208 prisoners (67.5%) and 133 (63.9%) of them started using at the age of 10-15 years old. A total of 179 prisoners (58.5%) reported a history of drug use, about half of them (50.3%) reported being addicted to a combination of drugs. For 40.8% (n=73) drug use was initiated in the age of 10-15 years old, while the largest percentage (46.4%) of prisoners mentioned as starting age 16-20 years old. Although the above features underline the great differences between prison population and the general population, there are no significant associations of these factors with violent or non-violent crime. However, the prisoners with drug use history were 65% less likely to have been sentenced for violent crime. Also, the prisoners exempted from their military duties, were 49% less likely to have committed violent crime.

Order Through Honor: Masculinity and the Use of Temporary Release in a Greek Prison

Severe conditions of imprisonment have contributed to a rise in the frequency and seriousness of unrest in Greek prisons over recent decades. Drawing on fieldwork material collected in the largest and most overcrowded prison for men in Greece, this article explores how prison authorities used the prospect of temporary release as a means of incentivizing conformist behavior among prisoners. It is argued that the effectiveness of this seemingly straightforward mechanism was complicated by practical restrictions on the granting of temporary release, thus leading to “behaviorist” efforts on the part of prison authorities to transfer the incentivizing properties of temporary release itself onto praise they extended to prisoners for observing institutional rules and regulations. The content of such praise entailed references to the ideal of a tamed masculinity embodied in the traditional Greek notion of philotimo, or honor, a finding that bolsters the limited body of research on the pacifying potential of masculine identities in carceral settings. While, and at least in part because, the gains made for order through this process have at best been transitory, the broader politico-economic functions of imprisonment have persisted.

The Arts of Imprisonment: Control, Resistance and Empowerment. By Leonidas K. Cheliotis, ed. (Farnham: Ashgate, 2012, 322pp. 65.00 hb)

There has been a growing emphasis on aesthetics within criminology (e.g. Young 2005; Millie 2008; Carrabine 2012). The Arts of Imprisonment: Control, Resistance and Empowerment adds to this ‘aesthetic criminology’ by drawing our attention to relationships between the arts and prison, including ‘the visual, design, performing, media, musical and literary genres ... [as] an alternative lens through which to understand state-sanctioned punishment and its place in public consciousness’ (p. 1). Themes covered include prisoner arts as resistance, prisoner literature and prisons in literature, prison architecture and prison music (from singing in nineteenth-century Greek prisons to Hip Hop). The book contains 17 chapters from 20 authors.

Reception Studies and Cultural Reinvention in Aristophanes and Tawfiq Al-Hakim

We look on the totality of the past as dreams, certainly interesting ones, and regard only the latest state of science as true, and that only provisionally so. This is culture.Paul Veyne, Did the Greeks Believe in Their Myths?Reception studies in classics live a complicated scholarly life. On one hand, a healthy collection of new monographs appears on the market every year that shows the strength of this subfield, including such recent additions as Gonda Van Steen's Theatre of the Condemned: Classical Tragedy on Greek Prison Islands and Simon Goldhil's work on the Victorian reception of classics called Victorian Culture and Classical Antiquity: Art, Opera, Fiction and the Proclamation of Modernity. Collections of essays that contribute to the field are also copiously produced. Thus two scholars could lately declare that ‘[n]o sub-field in the discipline of Classics has experienced such growth, in both quantitative and qualitative terms, over the past fifteen years or so as the study of reception of classical material’. Charles Martindale, credited with throwing down the receptive gauntlet some twenty years ago, recently wrote an essay on the flourishing state of this subfield within classics, reporting that reception studies have proven classics to be not ‘something fixed, whose boundaries can be shown.’ He adds the following:Many classicists (though by no means the majority) are in consequence reasonably happy, if only to keep the discipline alive in some form, to work with an enlarged sense of what classics might be, no longer confined to the study of classical antiquity ‘in itself’—so that classics can include writing about Paradise Lost, or the mythological poesie of Titian, or the film Gladiator, or the iconography of fascism.